Applying for IHSS

Eligibility Criteria for all IHSS Applicants and Recipients

  • Live in Sacramento County
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of California
  • Be 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled of any age
  • Must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination*
  • Must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care faci lities, and   licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home ")
  • Be unable to live at home safely without assistance
  • Must submit a completed Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873)

Information Needed to Apply for IHSS

Whether you are calling for IHSS on your own behalf or on the behalf of someone else, please be prepared with the following information:

  •  Name
  •  Home Address (mailing address if different)
  •  Phone number
  •  Applicant's date of birth
  •  Social Security Number
  •  Gender
  •  Ethnicity
  •  Preferred spoken and written language
  •  Marital status
  •  Names of all household members
  •  Number of minor children related to applicant living in home (if applicable)
  •  Summary of services applying for
  •  Disability related accommodations
  •  Involvement with other community agencies (ex. Alta, STEP, etc.)
  •  Authorized Representative information (if applicable)
  •  Name of prospective care provider

How to Apply for IHSS

To apply for IHSS, call: (916) 874-9471   Monday – Friday (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Or complete and submit an application for In-Home Supportive Services:

Mail to:

In Home Supportive Services 
PO BOX 269131
Sacramento, CA  95826

Or FAX to: (916) 854-8828

Or EMAIL to IHSSApplications@saccounty.gov

Application Process Overview

Anyone who recognizes that a person is in need of in-home assistance may make a referral to IHSS. Once the requirements for the Health Care Certification and Medi-Cal eligibility are met a social worker is assigned to the case to conduct an assessment of need. The determination will take into consideration the applicant's medical condition, living arrangement, persons living in the home and resources that may already be available.

Once the needs assessment is authorized, IHSS can assist a recipient with locating a caregiver. A friend or relative may serve as a caregiver, or a referral may be made through the IHSS Registry. Once a caregiver is selected, the client acts as the employer and is responsible for supervision and signing time sheets.

Working together, IHSS and the caregiver ensure that each recipient is able to remain in their home – safely, comfortably and with as much independence as possible.

​Contact Information

In Home Supportive Services

PO Box 269131
Sacramento, CA 95826
Telephone: (916) 874-9471​